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Notes From The Field
October 2023
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The Importance of Verifying Information in Today’s Media World
HOW TO FACT-CHECK EVERY SENSATIONAL HEADLINE OR CLAIM
Borders do not confine misinformation. False stories can strain international relations or incite unwarranted fears about global events or crises. Incorrect information can influence stock markets, investment decisions, and business operations. For instance, a false rumor about a company can lead to significant stock price fluctuations, harming investors and the company alike. We cover this and how our biases, which there are many, can skew the way we view just about anything in the American Dream Experience. It’s a breakthrough in financial education we designed to be pitch-free, so you walk out with the tools to cultivate your financial future whether you invest with us or not. Here are some best practices to verify information: Check multiple sources: If a story is true, more than one credible source will likely report it, and the information will be similar or the same. Consider the source: Established media outlets with a track record of accuracy are generally more reliable than lesser-known or personal blogs. Check for citations: Reliable articles usually cite their sources of information, allowing readers to trace back the original data. Use fact-checking websites: Platforms like Snopes, FactCheck.org, or PolitiFact can help verify the authenticity of viral claims or stories. Avoid confirmation bias: Just because a story aligns with your personal beliefs doesn’t make it true. It’s essential to remain objective and verify before believing or sharing. In an age where information spreads at the speed of light, it becomes the collective responsibility of consumers, journalists, and platforms to ensure the truth prevails. Don’t take everything you see or hear as fact. Verification isn’t just a step in journalistic integrity; it’s a pillar of a functioning democracy and an informed society. The next time a sensational headline or incredible claim comes across your screen, remember the importance of pausing, questioning, and verifying before accepting it as truth.
In the modern age, the proliferation of information through various media channels has made discerning fact from fiction both critical and challenging. With the internet’s democratizing power, anyone can publish content or share news, but not all are trustworthy. The importance of verifying information in today’s media world cannot be overstated. Over the last few years, the term “fake news” has been ingrained into our vernacular. False stories or inaccurately reported information can quickly go viral, misleading millions. The ramifications can range from simple misunderstandings to significant real-world impacts, such as influencing elections or causing panic among the public. When misinformation becomes pervasive, it erodes public trust in legitimate news sources. A lack of trust in the media is problematic for democracy, as an informed citizenry is critical for effective governance. If people cannot rely on media outlets for accurate information, making educated decisions on essential matters becomes challenging. Sharing or acting on unverified information can have personal consequences. Individuals can damage their reputation, credibility, or relationships by inadvertently propagating falsehoods. Sharing or acting on unverified data can have legal implications in some professions.
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BRAIN GAMES
SOLUTION
Join Us and Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In October, we wear pink. We do this because each year, millions of women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer, and we want to stand in solidarity with those affected and support causes actively searching for a cure. If you are looking for ways to get involved, consider supporting or volunteering for one of the following organizations: • American Cancer Society – Cancer.org/cancer/types/ breast-cancer
{ Make a one-time or monthly donation to their research.
{ Access educational resources on the effects of breast cancer and treatment as well as preventive measures. { Discover volunteer opportunities in your area. • Susan G. Komen – Komen.org
celebrate the women we know who have survived, support those undergoing treatment, and mourn those who didn’t make it. Join us in supporting the movement this year by wearing pink, raising awareness in your community, or donating to an organization that advocates for survivors and finding a cure. Send us a picture or tag us in a post of you wearing pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
{ Register for one of their “MORE THAN PINK” walks.
Put together a DIY Fundraising opportunity.
{
According to recent statistics, 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with this disease. Each year, 2.3 million women worldwide will be affected. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time for us to
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Say Goodbye to Pet Hair Woes Tips and Tricks for a Hair-Free Home There’s no doubt about it: We love having our furry friends by our sides each day. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals make great companions, but they also come with their own challenges. One obstacle nearly every pet owner has to deal with is an overabundance of pet hair throughout their homes. Pet hair sticks to surfaces, and it’s not uncommon to find it on your clothes, on your carpets, or even in your car. You shouldn’t have to pat yourself down with tape or use a lint roller to remove hair whenever you leave the house, so here are a few methods to remove pet hair around your home. Fabric Softener Spray It’s no secret that fabric softener helps remove pet hair from clothes when used in a washing machine, but it can also free up the pet hair trapped in your carpets, rugs, and car seats. Mix 2 tablespoons of fabric softener with water in a spray bottle before applying the mixture to the hair-heavy area. This will cause the hair to clump together, which you can then sweep up with a broom. Run a vacuum cleaner over the area, and it will look (and smell) as good as new! Drill Brush You might not think your power tools would come in handy for this chore, but you’d be surprised. Using a brush attachment on a power drill is one of the best ways to loosen up pet hair. All you have to do is run the brush over the hair-covered area and follow behind it with your vacuum cleaner hose or crevice attachment, and the surface will look pristine. Brush attachments for drills are reasonably inexpensive and can be bought online or in home improvement stores. Prevention You don’t have to limit where your furry friends can go in the house, but using easily washable furniture and car seat covers will make pet hair cleanup much easier. Frequent passes with your vacuum, broom, and mop can also prevent pet hair buildup, but so can getting your pets groomed regularly! Whether you brush your furry friend down every day or take them to a professional groomer, these acts can help remove loose hair and stop it from ever reaching your floors.
ONE-BOWL PUMPKIN MUFFINS
Inspired by NoraCooks.com
Ingredients
• 1 tbsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt
• 15 oz can pumpkin purée • 1/3 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil) • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant- based milk • 1 1/4 cups brown sugar • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Prepare muffin pan by greasing and placing paper liners. 2. In a large mixing bowl, add pumpkin, melted butter (or oil), milk, and brown sugar, then whisk until well combined and smooth. With a sifter, sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and spices over the wet mixture. 3. Using a large wooden spoon, mix until just combined (do not over-mix). 4. Fill the muffin cups and bake for 22–25 minutes. Let cool for 30 minutes and enjoy!
TAKE A BREAK
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818-369-7900 FieldLawPC.com
P.O. Box 8306 La Crescenta, CA 91224 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Make an Effort to Avoid Misinformation
Upcoming Events
Why We Wear Pink Every October
One-Bowl Pumpkin Muffins
Pet Hair Takeover? Not Anymore! Top Solutions for Hair-Free Living
Lessons From Anna Nicole Smith’s Billion-Dollar Drama
THE ANNA NICOLE SMITH STORY Costly Consequences of Neglected Estate Planning:
didn’t make this change in his will or any other estate planning document. Instead, his $1.6 billion estate went to his son, Pierce Marshall. The matter went to probate, where it was determined that Smith would inherit nothing. The following year, she filed for bankruptcy in California, and the California court disagreed with the probate results, stating that Smith was entitled to $449 million. The case then proceeded to the federal level and was eventually presented to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled in Smith’s favor, but when all was said and done, there were no winners. Pierce passed away in 2006, and Smith passed away the following year. Smith’s son also passed away in 2006 and was the only beneficiary on her estate plan, as Smith had failed to add her 5-month-old daughter to it before she passed. There were several more legal battles between Smith’s and Pierce’s estates — one of which made it in front of the Supreme Court again — before finally, the last of Smith’s
Whenever a prominent celebrity, entrepreneur, or athlete passes away, there’s usually quite a bit of money left on the table. Most of these individuals put careful consideration into their estate plans to ensure their assets are distributed appropriately, but that’s not always the case. In 1995, Anna Nicole Smith found herself in the middle of a probate case that would haunt her for the rest of her life. In 1991, a 23-year-old Smith met 86-year-old petroleum tycoon J. Howard Marshall. Marshall was worth over $1 billion at the time and quickly became smitten with Smith. In the following years, Smith appeared in TV shows, movies, and advertisements, and her popularity exploded. In June 1994, Smith and Marshall married in Houston, but their wedded bliss was short-lived. Marshall passed away 13 months after the wedding at the age of 90. Before passing away, Marshall promised Smith half of his estate. Unfortunately, he
cases was closed on Oct. 24, 2022, over two decades from when the disputes began. There are many lessons we can learn from this situation, but the most important one is to update your estate plan whenever you experience a life change. It’s also wise for celebrity couples to have a prenuptial agreement. It would have saved everyone years of struggle if Smith or Marshall had done either.
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